Help with scrupulosity

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MarshallJackson

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So I was going through Facebook this morning and found an ex girlfriend on there, and out of curiosity of how she’s doing and stuff (because I know she has a kid now and stuff), I went to her profile and to her photos. I saw a photo that looked somewhat racy in nature and once again out of curiosity and without thinking it through clicked on it. After it came up I realized what I had done and exited right back out of it and left Facebook with an anxiety attack… I just went to confession yesterday and talked to my priest yesterday about my scrupulosity and OCD problems, and also about my long time struggle with sexual sin. And he said that I need to take it more easy on myself. But I don’t know what to do as I feel like I’ve already messed up once again… And I’m always afraid I’ve committed a mortal sin and am afraid to take communion. Please help…
 
MarshallJackson said:
…and once again out of curiosity and without thinking it through clicked on it. After it came up I realized what I had done and exited right back out of it …
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I note your these two sentences from your description. That can be key in your examining what happened. Did you know what you were doing? etc (I do not though advise you examing too much for it can bring back temptation).

Did you have grave matter together with full advertance and complete consent?

**
Compendium **issued by Pope Benedict XVI
**
395. When does one commit a mortal sin?
**
1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are [simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent…etc

**396. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent…etc

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html
 
I will re-post another older post of mine (general information regarding scrupulosity)

A person struggles with scruples - what ought they do?

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a* “regular confessor” who can direct them --and even give them some general principles* to follow -to apply (principles for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience).

Thus with their direction they can “dismiss scruples” (in the older language despise them) - “act against them” (agere contra).

Scruples are to be dismissed ~ not argued with.

To borrow and image from a Carthusian from centuries ago: Scruples *are like a barking dog or a hissing goose -one does not stop to argue with a barking dog or a hissing goose does one? * No one keeps walking.

Such ‘obedience’ to a regular confessor who knows of ones scruples (except in what is manifest sin - such as if he told them it was ok to murder someone or something certain like that) is key. Such is the age old practice.

Also counseling -(especially if one also has OCD) could be helpful depending on the case -but one would want to look for a counselor who can assist one in following the Churches Teachings - not go contrary to them (I have heard CA staff mention catholictherapists.com/)

Here was a not too long ago post from Jimmy Akin of CA that I saw in the Register and saved for those who struggle with such.

ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/6-tools-for-the-scrupulous
 
MarshallJackson said:
So I was going through Facebook this morning and found an ex girlfriend on there, and out of curiosity of how she’s doing and stuff (because I know she has a kid now and stuff), I went to her profile and to her photos. I saw a photo that looked somewhat racy in nature and once again out of curiosity and without thinking it through clicked on it. After it came up I realized what I had done and exited right back out of it and left Facebook with an anxiety attack… I just went to confession yesterday and talked to my priest yesterday about my scrupulosity and OCD problems, and also about my long time struggle with sexual sin. And he said that I need to take it more easy on myself. But I don’t know what to do as I feel like I’ve already messed up once again… And I’m always afraid I’ve committed a mortal sin and am afraid to take communion. Please help…
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If you are scrupulous, you need to find a spiritual director you can discuss these issues with outside of Confession. I really don’t think getting advice during a Confession is going to cut it here. However, you do need to listen to your Confessors advice.

If you have a scrupulous conscience, read this: mission.liguori.org/newsletters/pdf_archive/Ten_Commandments_for_the_Scrupulous_2013.pdf
 
captainrick said:
That’s the answer - you already know the problem you have. CAF members are well meaning, but can’t do much to help.
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We can’t countermand a Confessor on something like that, and people with a scrupulous conscience need spiritual direction from one spiritual director.
 
MarshallJackson said:
So I was going through Facebook this morning and found an ex girlfriend on there, and out of curiosity of how she’s doing and stuff (because I know she has a kid now and stuff), I went to her profile and to her photos. I saw a photo that looked somewhat racy in nature and once again out of curiosity and without thinking it through clicked on it. After it came up I realized what I had done and exited right back out of it and left Facebook with an anxiety attack… I just went to confession yesterday and talked to my priest yesterday about my scrupulosity and OCD problems, and also about my long time struggle with sexual sin. And he said that I need to take it more easy on myself. But I don’t know what to do as I feel like I’ve already messed up once again… And I’m always afraid I’ve committed a mortal sin and am afraid to take communion. Please help…
Click to expand...
I had very similar issues and I quit being scrupulous once I realized that I could immediately confess and repent of any sin directly to God, and be forgiven. That has been so liberating for me.
 
MarshallJackson said:
So I was going through Facebook this morning and found an ex girlfriend on there, and out of curiosity of how she’s doing and stuff (because I know she has a kid now and stuff), I went to her profile and to her photos. I saw a photo that looked somewhat racy in nature and once again out of curiosity and without thinking it through clicked on it. After it came up I realized what I had done and exited right back out of it and left Facebook with an anxiety attack… I just went to confession yesterday and talked to my priest yesterday about my scrupulosity and OCD problems, and also about my long time struggle with sexual sin. And he said that I need to take it more easy on myself. But I don’t know what to do as I feel like I’ve already messed up once again… And I’m always afraid I’ve committed a mortal sin and am afraid to take communion. Please help…
Click to expand...
Obedience to your confessor. That is all.
 
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